The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is asking the government to provide evidence that curfews and restrictions on who you can go to the pub with will be effective in reducing transmission of covid-19.
This comes as the government announces special measures across seven council areas in the North East of England. This includes a compulsory 10pm closing time for pubs.
The government should also be emphasising that it’s still safe to go to the pub with your own household if you follow the rules, says CAMRA. “Otherwise, we could see a huge financial impact on viable pubs who are already operating under much tighter restrictions than other businesses, with no positive effect on controlling the virus,” said national chairman, Nik Antona.
“The government should also introduce a new financial support package and extend the furlough scheme for affected pubs to help them cope with reduced trade that will come as a result of these restrictions. This is the only way to avoid permanent pub closures and further job losses.
“CAMRA continues to encourage people in the North East to use pubs in a safe and responsible way during this period of restrictions, in order to support our well-loved locals during these tough times.”
The British Beer and Pub Association called the restrictions a “signifcant blow”, but reiterated that the trade remains committed to working with the government to control the spread of covid-19.
But chief executive, Emma McClarkin, said: “It is vital that the government recognises the unprecedented challenges that pubs and brewers are facing at this time.
“We are calling on them to immediately put in place a sector-specific furlough scheme beyond October, extend the VAT cut and business rates holiday, and make a substantial cut to the punitively high rate of beer duty in the autumn Budget. These measures will help brewers and pubs work towards a safe and sustainable recovery.”
